U9s Newark v. Nottingham Corsairs at Home

Brisk and fresh with clear blue skies were perfect conditions for our much loved game.

As per our usual squad rotational approach, we had two totally changed sides from the same fixture before the Christmas break, (only 3 of the 18 players played in both fixtures).

As per previous games we also had 6 lads playing in their 1st competitive contact match against another club, (Bradley, Henry M, Rudi, Kaman, Alex T and Munro). 1st game nerves and sluggishness from the festive break were clearly visible, particularly in the first half of the first games, both Newark sides lacked urgency and "grit" shown in earlier matches - failing to impose ourselves in the early stages.

The lads started well in attack but struggled to apply any significant pressure in defence on the straight and hard running Corsair attackers. Newark held the defensive line and matched their forward runners yet lacked the conviction and courage to make the tackle early on in the game which enabled Corsairs to push onto Newark and grow in confidence, coming at Newark harder and stronger scoring some excellent individual tries.

Credit to our boys for keeping heads high once they had settled in to the game, slowly each player found the strength and courage to make the tackles and started to stop the advances of Nottingham and to turn the game around but the Newark players were taught a valuable tackling lesson today.

With Corsairs tackling well, Newark had some great passages of attacking rugby, running onto and moving the ball well and supporting each other excellently which pushed the defenders back and resulted in many hard fought Newark tries through a great team effort. When the attacks broke down we needed to be more confident at the breakdown, quicker in getting in over the ball, forming a bridge and passing the ball away from the contact zone.

By the 2nd game both Newark teams showed improved defensive organisation and started to apply pressure on the Corsair attackers which resulted in turning over the ball on several occasions, finishing on a high.

The coaches were proud of the lads as they all eventually found the strength and courage within themselves to make the tackles and never let their heads drop showing great character and sportsmanship, credit to them all.

Men of Steel today were Joe D and Henry M.

Training as usual next week where we will be focussing on our defending!

Authors: Jason Harrison and Ian Gooden
Verified: Alan Staines